"Never Marry a Mexican"

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Transcript of "Never Marry a Mexican"

"Never Marry a Mexican"By: Sandra CisnerosA presentation by Michelle Pointer, Erika Garcia, Eva Bolin, AND KRISTAN clarkCenters on a Mexican American woman named Clemencia. In the first half of the story, Clemencia tells of her mother and father, and how her mother used to tell her, “Never marry a Mexican.” These words of caution become an anthem for Clemencia later in her life, when she chooses to only become involved with white men, particularly married ones. One such man is Drew, an older man who a nineteen year old Clemencia falls in love with. When Drew leaves her to be with his wife, Clemencia waits for his son to become a teenager, so that she can sleep with him and break his heart in revenge against his fatherThe Story ClemenciaAdult LifeMotivation in being involved with white, married menGuilt and sense of justificationAttack on her lover's wifeA diversion from her guilt and fear of losing herselfMeaning behind the storyMaking peace and finding middle groundAny Questions?Sandra CisnerosBest Selling Novel First Work

Born December 20th 1954Mother was a Mexican AmericanFather was a MexicanMoved back and forth from Mexico and Chicago multiple times

Cisneros's first collection of poems2002 Best Selling Novel First Collection of short storiesHome to "Never Marry a Mexican"Early LifeHer parents' differing cultural viewsTorn between two worldsParents' marriageAttempting to cling to her Latino cultureResentment towards American cultureView on her niche in the worldStraddling two culturesClemencia Common Themes The Story and Mexican American CultureKey Quotes"Never marry a Mexican, my ma said once and always. She said this because of my father. She said this though she was Mexican too. But she was born here in the U.S., and he was born there, and it's not the same, you know." Her parents are the same color and race, but that does not mean that their culture and how they were raised are the same or anywhere close.Key Quote"I'll never marry. Not any man. I've known men too intimately. I've witnessed their infidelities, and I've helped them to it." She learned that should would never be happy with anyone, because of her experiences with men. Key Quote"Did you tell him, while his mother lay on her back laboring his birth, I lay in his mother's bed making love to you?"She sleeps with the father than with the sonKEY QUOTE"That boy, your son...The boy red-freckled like fish food floating on the skin of water. That boy."Expressing anger and the relationship is revengeKey Quote"And if I killed someone on a night like this?...I'd be walking with my head full of images and my back to the guilty...Except it's not me who I want to kill..."Clemencia expresses insanity when she states this, but it is doubtful she will ever kill anyone. She is being expressive and imaginative.Key Quote"Good or bad, I've done what I had to do and need to. And you've answered the phone, and startled me away like a bird."This shows that she is doubting her actions and she is madly in love with a man she can never have, because he is already married.Conclusion